To develop individual ball control

Introduction of the different parts of the foot (Inside, Outside, Laces, Bottom)

Each player needs a ball and to be in a single file line

1. Set up 8 cones and have each player dribble through the cones using only the outside of their foot and then using the inside of their foot. 3 to 4 repetitions with each part of the foot.
2. Set up a cone about 20 feet away and have each player dribble the ball to the cone and use the outside or inside of the foot to go 180 degrees around the cone.
3. Break the team into 2 even groups and form two different lines on either side of the goal. Each line has one ball. Put a line of 6 cones in front of each line and run a relay race with the different parts of the foot. Have the players go completely through the cones and back to the start.

Kids at this age will want to use their toe. Get them saying, “JUST SAY NO TO THE TOE”.

To get U-6 players comfortable protecting the ball and also attacking the player with the ball.

Build a grid approximately 20X25 yards this field should be adjusted based on the skill level and number of players participating. Each player should have a ball except for 1 or 2 sharks.

The players with balls (the minnows) attempt to protect their ball from the "Shark" or “Sharks”. The Shark or Sharks attempt to gain possession and knock the minnows (ball) out of the grid. Once this happens, the minnow can run around the grid once and return to the game. Each minnow has two changes, and the last 2 minnows remaining become the sharks in the next round.

• Players only use left foot to dribble.
• Players use outside of feet to dribble.
• Players use sole of feet to dribble.
• Once players ball kicked out of circle they become sharks also, the last one or two minnows left become sharks for next round

• Keep the dribblers under control and not panicked once the sharks get near them.
• Inform players to keep the ball close within playing distance.

To improve dribbling and ball control skills

• Each player has a ball. • Line up on one sideline at least 3 feet apart • Wolf/coach is at far sideline

The players yell out “What time is it?” and the Wolf answers with X o’clock. The players take X number of dribbles toward the far sideline and then do “Toe Taps” or “Tick-Tocks” while calling out again “What time is it?” At some point the Wolf answers “Dinner Time” at which point he/she tries to take a ball off of one of the players, while the players race back to the starting sideline. If the wolf gets the ball before they reach the safety of the sideline, the player joins the wolf as a wolf.

• Players only use left foot to dribble.
• Players use outside of feet to dribble.
• Players use sole of feet to dribble.
• Once players ball kicked out of circle they become sharks also, the last one or two minnows left become sharks for next round

• Encourage kids to dribble with their heads up, so they don’t run into others..
• Encourage kids to dribble quickly yet under control. Make sure no player ever lets their ball get more than one arm length from their body.
• Encourage kids to get the ball under control and stopped on the sideline.

To improve dribbling and ball control skills

Each player has a ball. Can be run in a small rectangular area of field (half a U6 field works well). Create a playing space that is small enough that it is challenging and the kids must pay attention to where they are going, but large enough that they can function.

Each player dribbles in any direction but must stay in the marked area. When the coach says “Red Light!” everyone stops there their ball. When the coach says “Green Light!” players resume dribbling.

• Encourage kids to dribble with their heads up, so they don’t run into others.
• Players use outside of feet to dribble.
• Players use sole of feet to dribble.
• Once players ball kicked out of circle they become sharks also, the last one or two minnows left become sharks for next round

• Encourage kids to dribble with their heads up, so they don’t run into others.
• Encourage kids to dribble quickly yet under control. Make sure no player ever lets their ball get more than one arm length from their body.
• Encourage kids to get the ball under control and stopped quickly after “Red Light” is called.

To develop individual ball control

Introduction of the different parts of the foot (Inside, Outside, Laces, Bottom)

Each player needs a ball and to be in a single file line

1. Set up 8 cones and have each player dribble through the cones using only the outside of their foot and then using the inside of their foot. 3 to 4 repetitions with each part of the foot.
2. Set up a cone about 20 feet away and have each player dribble the ball to the cone and use the outside or inside of the foot to go 180 degrees around the cone.
3. Break the team into 2 even groups and form two different lines on either side of the goal. Each line has one ball. Put a line of 6 cones in front of each line and run a relay race with the different parts of the foot. Have the players go completely through the cones and back to the start.

Kids at this age will want to use their toe. Get them saying, “JUST SAY NO TO THE TOE”.

To develop individual ball control

Introduction of the different parts of the foot (Inside, Outside, Laces, Bottom)

Each player needs a ball and to be in a single file line

1. Set up 8 cones and have each player dribble through the cones using only the outside of their foot and then using the inside of their foot. 3 to 4 repetitions with each part of the foot.
2. Set up a cone about 20 feet away and have each player dribble the ball to the cone and use the outside or inside of the foot to go 180 degrees around the cone.
3. Break the team into 2 even groups and form two different lines on either side of the goal. Each line has one ball. Put a line of 6 cones in front of each line and run a relay race with the different parts of the foot. Have the players go completely through the cones and back to the start.

Kids at this age will want to use their toe. Get them saying, “JUST SAY NO TO THE TOE”.

To get U-6 players comfortable playing defense while backing up.

• 3 Cones – Place one cone as starting position for player with ball. Place one as starting position of player without ball. Place one cone to mark where the player can take shot. • Split team in two groups with one group keeping their ball. Have them line up at the starting positions by cone by goal.

Player with Ball dribbles to other goal and take a shot when they get to the cone. Player without Ball runs back and forth in front of player with ball. While running the player faces the same way as the dribbler, toward the goal they are protecting.

Have the player without the ball try and kick the ball as they pass by the dribbler.

Kids do not have to try and take the ball away. You want them to obstruct the dribbler. “Goal side of the Ball” is the coaching term to use, defined as “staying in between the ball and your goal”.